Business news in brief

A review into the number of women working at boardroom level is expected to stop short of imposing a quota. Lord Davies of Abersoch, the former of chief executive of Standard Chartered, is instead expected to demand that FTSE 100 companies set clear targets if there is not significant change.

A review into the number of women working at boardroom level is expected to stop short of imposing a quota. Lord Davies of Abersoch, the former of chief executive of Standard Chartered, is instead expected to demand that FTSE 100 companies set clear targets if there is not significant change. Due to be published within weeks, Lord Davies’ report into the “glass ceiling” has attracted more than 2,600 submissions from business leaders and academics.

BUSINESS rates specialist CVS has signed up racecourse owner Arena Leisure and café chain Patisserie Valerie as clients. CVS, which is based in Old Trafford, acts on appeals by customers in an attempt to secure a reduction in business rates liabilities. Mark Rigby, former chief executive of commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton who joined CVS last October to lead an aggressive national expansion drive, said the firm was eyeing further office openings to grow turnover and was recruiting rating surveyors and support staff. CVS was established 11 years ago and opened a London branch last year.

TURNTABLE manufacturer Movetech UK has secured exclusive rights to distribute a sliding car parking system across the UK and 20 countries in mainland Europe. The Park and Slide system was developed in the north east. Through a system of slides and runners it allows a vehicle to be pushed to one side, making more space available for other vehicles. Some formats include a turntable where turnaround space is restricted. Park and Slide is aimed at homeowners, housebuilders, local authorities, leisure facilities and the agricultural sector.

MANCHESTER will host next year’s International Co-operative Alliance trade exhibition – the first time the event has come to the UK. It will take place at Manchester Central between October 31 and November 2. The exhibition will mark the centenary of the co-operative movement. Co-operatives from all over the world will showcase their products and services at the event. The ICA has previously been held in Portugal and India, Lisbon and Bangalore.

THE First Street scheme – the Oxford Road ‘Corridor’ development – will be the focus of the main events at Manchester's stand at the MIPIM property fair in Cannes next month. Speakers will include Ken Knott, chief executive of Ask Developments, Robin Phillips, industry sector finance director at Siemens, and Sarah Whitney, executive director of real estate finance at commercial property adviser CBRE. MIPIM takes place from March 8-13. Franchise businesses are being invited to celebrate their success by entering for an industry accolade. The British Franchise Association HSBC Awards, which are in their 22nd year, recognise the stars of the sector. To enter, visit www.thebfa.org. Deadline for entry is March 31.

DPP Shape, a Manchester-based regeneration and master planning practice, has been appointed by the Welsh Assembly government and Denbighshire county council to develop a strategic regeneration framework for Rhyl with a planned delivery over 20 years.

THE City Warehouse Apartment Hotel in Manchester has picked up an award from online comparison website, Trivago.com. The hotel was named best holiday home/apartment in the UK.

ALTRINCHAM & Sale Chamber of Commerce has appointed its 100th president. Nathan Evans handed over the baton to Tony Collier, of accountants and business advisers Milner Boardman.

SIX firms are flying the flag for the north west at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona which started today. Apadmi, Catalyst Outsourcing, ClearCaller, CTI Billing Solutions, eSay Mobile and Thumbstar Games will be exhibiting at the event, which runs until Thursday. Their visit has been organised by Enterprise Europe Network North West in collaboration with UKTI and NWDA with support from NWDA European Regional Development Fund.

BRAND design studio Transmission Creative has been asked to spread the message that you’re never too old to party after promoting an over-50s club night, My Generation, for Manchester music venue Band on the Wall. It has designed a tartan shopping trolley with badges of bands such as The Beatles and the Rolling Stones to spread the word for the new club night.

A pay-as-you-go car rental firm is motoring into Salford Quays. City Car Club, which operates 27 vehicles in Manchester, rents cars by the hour. Its latest expansion will see it make a vehicle available at the Exchange Quay Visitor Centre. It launched in Manchester in 2006 and has 1,500 members in the city.

FARMERS, foresters and primary food producers have been allocated money to boost the rural economy following the launch of the Greater Manchester Rural Skills Project. The event was attended by 70 delegates. Craig Bradley, of the Northwest Regional Development Agency, discussed direct grants available. For information call 01925 400 326.